Preventative and treatment effects of Morinda citrifolia on diabetes and its related conditions

ABSTRACT

The present invention features a unique, natural formulation and method of administering the same to treat and prevent diabetes, or rather advances treatment of diabetes, by providing a naturaceutical composition or treatment formulated with one or more processed  Morinda citrifolia  products as derived from the Indian Mulberry plant. The  Morinda citrifolia  is particularly adapted to treat Type II diabetes. The  Morinda citrifolia  product is preferably a leaf extract, but may also be in the form of a juice, a puree juice, a dietary fiber, or other similar forms and is incorporated into various carriers or naturaceutical compositions suitable for in vivo treatment of a patient. The naturaceutical may also combine other food products into the naturaceutical, such as fruit juices, dietary supplements, vitamins and minerals, and others.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 60/335,313, filed Nov. 2, 2001, and entitled, “Methods for TreatingConditions Related to Diabetes.”

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to methods and various compositions andformulations for treating and preventing diabetes and its associatedsymptoms and conditions. Specifically, the present invention relates toMorinda citrifolia-based methods and naturaceutical formulations fortreating pre-existing diabetes conditions, as well as to Morindacitrifolia-based methods and naturaceutical formulations for inhibiting,reducing, or preventing the onset or reducing the onset potential offuture or additional diabetic developments. The present invention issuited for treatment and prevention of diabetes as commonly experiencedin mammals, and particularly humans.

2. Background of the Invention and Related Art

Diabetes mellitus (diabetes) is a complex chronic disease which affectsa large number of people in the United States. More specifically,diabetes mellitus is a group of diseases characterized by high levels ofblood glucose resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulinaction, or both. It is characterized as a progressive breakdown innormal insulin-related usage of glucose. In order to function properly,the body's use of glucose must comprise a balanced output of insulinfrom the pancreas to transport glucose effectively to other organs andtissues for storage. Any insulin imbalance or loss of sensitivity cancause a chronic overabundance of glucose leading to diabetes.

It is estimated that a total of 15.7 million people in the UnitedStates, approximately 5.9% of the population, have diabetes in one formor another. Of those, 10.3 million people have actually been diagnosedwith diabetes, while the other speculated additional 5.4 million peoplehave gone undiagnosed.

Diabetes can be associated with serious complications and prematuredeath. Studies have found that death rates can be twice as high amongmiddle aged people with diabetes as opposed to those who are notsuffering from the disease. Moreover, in 1996 diabetes contributed toover 193,000 deaths and was the seventh leading cause of death listed onU.S. death certificates in that same year. This is an alarming statisticconsidering that diabetes is believed to be under reported both as acondition and as a cause of death.

Diabetes is particularly prevalent among adults. Approximately 6.3million people over the age of 65 (18.4% of all people in that agegroup) have diabetes. It is estimated that 8.2% of all adults over theage of 20 have diabetes. A smaller percentage, but nevertheless asignificant number of children under the age of 20 in the United Stateshave diabetes (0.16%).

Diabetes is equally likely to strike men as women. However, certainracial and ethnic groups are more likely to be susceptible to diabetes.For example, Mexican Americans are nearly twice as likely to havediabetes as non-Hispanic whites of a similar age as are Hispanics/LatinoAmericans. American Indians and Alaskan Natives are nearly three timesas likely to be diagnosed with diabetes as non-Hispanic whites. SomeAsian American also show an increased risk for diabetes. In somecircumstances these minority groups are less likely to have access totreatments to help prevent the serious conditions that can arise as aresult of diabetes because of their lack of access to health care andprescription medicines.

It is estimated that about 798,000 Americans will be diagnosed withdiabetes this year alone. The estimated cost of treatment totals 98million annually in the US. This problem is compounded by the fact thatadult-onset diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate and also strikingat younger ages. According to CDC statistics, in 1990-1998 diabetesincreased by 33% with a 76% increase among 30-39 years old. Type IIdiabetes (discussed below) rarely struck before age 40 years of age orolder. However, this type of diabetes is showing up in young adults andeven children. The disease often causes permanent damage to youngervictims before they are diagnosed.

There are several types of diabetes. Diabetes Type I develops in youngchildren and is usually caused by the body's inability to produceinsulin. Type I diabetes was previously called insulin-dependentdiabetes mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile-onset diabetes. According to theCDC, Type I diabetes may account for 5% to 10% of all diagnosed cases ofdiabetes. Risk factors are less well defined for Type I diabetes thanfor type 2 diabetes, but autoimmune, genetic, and environmental factorsare involved in the development of this type of diabetes

Diabetes Type II develops later in life, usually as organs & tissueslose their ability to respond effectively to insulin. Type II diabeteswas previously called non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) oradult-onset diabetes. The CDC estimates Type II diabetes may account forabout 90% to 95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Risk factors forType II diabetes include older age, obesity, family history of diabetes,prior history of gestational diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance,physical inactivity, and race/ethnicity. As was mentioned above, AfricanAmericans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, American Indians, and some AsianAmericans and Pacific Islanders are at particularly high risk for TypeII diabetes.

Gestational diabetes is a third type of diabetes that develops in smallbut significant percentage of all pregnancies and usually ends with thepregnancy. A small percentage of diabetes may also result from specificgenetic syndromes, surgery, drugs, malnutrition, infections, and otherillnesses.

The chronic overabundance of glucose associated with this conditiondamages the body's blood vessels and leads to breakdown of body organsand ultimately death. Either form of diabetes is a disease with seriousand deleterious health consequences. If left untreated diabetes cancause retinal degeneration and blindness, kidney and nerve damage, andcan contribute to atherosclerosis. In extreme cases diabetes can resultin the amputation of limbs and death.

The harmful consequences are not just possibilities but painfulrealities form many Americans who do not get the treatments they need intime. Again, according to CDC, 12,000-24,000 Americans lose their sightto diabetes each year and approximately 27,900 have kidney failureassociated with the condition. Over 55,000 diabetic related amputationsare performed each year. Diabetics are two to four times likely tosuffer from heart disease, two to four times more likely to have astroke, and three times more likely to die of complications of flu andpneumonia than non-diabetics.

Other conditions related to diabetes reported by the CDC include:nervous system diseases, which often includes impaired sensation or painin the feet or hands, slowed digestion of food in the stomach, carpaltunnel syndrome, and other nerve problems, periodontal disease, which isa type of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss, complications ofpregnancy, including congenital malformations and death of the fetus,and other complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolarnonketotic coma.

Medical professionals apply three strategies for treating diabetes.First, reduce glucose absorption, which can be accomplished through witha disciplined diet. Second, reduce glucose synthesis in the liver.Third, accelerate glucose metabolism. Ideally, the most effectivetreatment will be able to utilize all of the treatments of type Idiabetes. However, lack of insulin production by the pancreas makes TypeI diabetes particularly difficult to control. Treatment requires astrict regimen that typically includes a carefully calculated diet,planned physical activity, home blood glucose testing several times aday, and multiple daily insulin injections.

Pharmaceuticals play a major role in the treatment of diabetes.Medications, such as Glycosidase inhibitors (Glucobai), Amylase,Glibenclamide, and Niacinamide are effective control drugs. Treatment ofType 1 diabetes functions to maintain blood glucose at near normallevels, and may require home blood glucose testing and multiple dailyinsulin injections. Treatment of Type 2 diabetes typically may includediet modification and home blood glucose testing, as well as oralmedication. Unfortunately, the side effects of these drugs can beunpleasant and distressing. Side effects include hypoglycemia, upsetstomach, skin rash or itching, weight gain, kidney problems, fatigue,dizzy spells, gloating and diarrhea.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a safe,over-the-counter formulation to treat diabetes and to augment or to evenreplace existing treatments and formulations for diabetes.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides persons with diabetes the opportunity tosafely and conveniently take measures to reduce the likelihood ofcontracting diabetes, as well as the opportunity to safely treatexisting diabetes conditions using a natural formulation and method oftreatment.

Therefore, it is an object of some embodiments of the present inventionto provide a naturaceutical formulation for treating diabetes and itsrelated conditions.

It is another object of some embodiments of the present invention toprovide a naturaceutical formulation comprising one or more processedMorinda citrifolia products that function as the active ingredient inthe naturaceutical formulation.

It is still another object of some embodiments of the present inventionto balance the output of insulin to regulate and maintain proper bloodglucose levels.

It is a further object of some embodiments of the present invention toprovide various methods and formulations for treatment of diabetescomprising the administration of a processed Morinda citrifolia productembodied in one form or another.

In accordance with foregoing objects, and in accordance with theinvention as embodied and broadly described herein, the presentinvention features a naturaceutical formulation designed to treatdiabetes and its associated or related conditions and symptoms, as wellas to balance and normalize insulin output and subsequent glucosetransfer and to help maintain these to be within proper ranges.

The naturaceutical formulation or composition comprises, as an activeingredient, one or more processed Morinda citrifolia products as derivedfrom the Indian Mulberry plant and manufactured and embodied as taughtherein. The naturaceutical may also comprise other ingredients, such asfood or dietary supplements, water, etc.

The processed Morinda citrifolia products comprise one of a processedMorinda citrifolia leaf hot water extract, a processed Morindacitrifolia leaf ethanol extract, a processed Morinda citrifolia leafsteam distilled extract, a processed Morinda citrifolia fruit juice orfruit juice concentrate, a processed Morinda citrifolia puree juice orpuree juice concentrate, a processed Morinda citrifolia dietary fiber, aprocessed Morinda citrifolia oil or oil extract and a processed Morindacitrifolia leaf extract. The naturaceutical formulation may furthercomprise other ingredients, such as carrier mediums, water, other fruitjuices, etc., and may be in the form of a liquid, a gel, a capsule, atablet, a concentrate solution, a powder, or any other type of foodproduct. In addition, the processed Morinda citrifolia product may beembodied in a formulation suitable for intravenous injection or systemicrelease or administration.

The present invention further features several methods of administeringor introducing the naturaceutical formulation, or rather the processedMorinda citrifolia product no matter how embodied, into the body of amammal, and particularly a human, for the treatment and prevention ofdiabetes and its related conditions, as well as for reducing the onsetpotential of diabetes by normalizing insulin output and glucosetransfer.

In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention features a method fortreating and preventing diabetes. In another exemplary embodiment, thepresent invention features a method for reducing the onset potential orthe likelihood of contracting diabetes. In another exemplary embodiment,the present invention features a method for reducing glucose synthesisin the liver. In another exemplary embodiment, the present inventionfeatures a method for accelerating glucose metabolism. In anotherexemplary embodiment, the present invention features a method forinhibiting glucose absorption in the digestive tract. And finally, inanother exemplary embodiment, the present invention features a methodfor improving overall glucose tolerance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It will be readily understood that the components of the presentinvention, as generally described herein, could be arranged and designedin a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following moredetailed description of the embodiments of the system and method of thepresent invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention,as claimed, but is merely representative of the presently preferredembodiments of the invention.

The presently preferred embodiments of the invention will be bestunderstood by separating the description into sections, the firstpertaining to a general discussion regarding Morinda citrifolia,including its origins, processing techniques, and health benefits, andthe methods employed to produce and manufacture the processed Morindacitrifolia products used as key ingredients in the naturaceuticalformulations described herein; and the second being a more detailed andspecific discussion on the Morinda citrifolia-based methods andnaturaceutical formulations or compositions used to treat and preventdiabetes and its associated or related symptoms and conditions, suchtreatment methods involving the prophylactic administration of theprocessed Morinda citrifolia products as described herein. Examples ofexperimental studies and the results obtained are also provided herein.

General Discussion of Morinda citrifolia and the Methods Used to ProduceProcessed Morinda citrifolia Products

The Indian Mulberry or Noni plant, known scientifically as MorindaCitrifolia L. (Morinda citrifolia), is a shrub or small tree up to 10 min height. The leaves are oppositely arranged with an elliptic to ovateform. The small white flowers are contained in a fleshy, globose,head-like cluster. The fruits are large, fleshy, and ovoid. At maturity,they are creamy-white and edible, but have an unpleasant taste and odor.The plant is native to Southeast Asia and has spread in early times to avast area from India to eastern Polynesia. It grows randomly in thewild, and it has been cultivated in plantations and small individualgrowing plots. The Morinda citrifolia flowers are small, white, three tofive lobed, tubular, fragrant, and about 1.25 cm long. The flowersdevelop into compound fruits composed of many small drupes fused into anovoid, ellipsoid or roundish, lumpy body, with waxy, white, orgreenish-white or yellowish, semi-translucent skin. The fruit contains“eyes” on its surface, similar to a potato. The fruit is juicy, bitter,dull-yellow or yellowish-white, and contains numerous red-brown, hard,oblong-triangular, winged 2-celled stones, each containing four seeds.

When fully ripe, the fruit has a pronounced odor like rancid cheese.Although the fruit has been eaten by several nationalities as food, themost common use of the Morinda citrifolia plant was as a red and yellowdye source. Recently, there has been an interest in the nutritional andhealth benefits of the Morinda citrifolia plant, further discussedbelow.

Because the Morinda citrifolia fruit is for all practical purposesinedible, the fruit must be processed in order to make it palatable forhuman consumption and included in food products used to treat diabetesand its related symptoms. Processed Morinda citrifolia fruit juice canbe prepared by separating seeds and peels from the juice and pulp of aripened Morinda citrifolia fruit; filtering the pulp from the juice; andpackaging the juice. Alternatively, rather than packaging the juice, thejuice can be immediately included as an ingredient in another foodproduct, frozen or pasteurized. In some embodiments, the juice and pulpcan be pureed into a homogenous blend to be mixed with otheringredients. Other process include freeze drying the fruit and juice.The fruit and juice can be reconstituted during production of the finaljuice product. Still other processes include air drying the fruit andjuices, prior to being masticated.

The present invention particularly utilizes extracts from the leaves ofthe Morinda citrifolia plant, but also contemplates for use the fruitjuice, the puree, and the oil from the Morinda Citrifolia plant. In acurrently preferred process of producing Morinda citrifolia fruit juice,the fruit is either hand picked or picked by mechanical equipment. Thefruit can be harvested when it is at least one inch (2-3 cm) and up to12 inches (24-36 cm) in diameter. The fruit preferably has a colorranging from a dark green through a yellow-green up to a white color,and gradations of color in between. The fruit is thoroughly cleanedafter harvesting and before any processing occurs.

The fruit is allowed to ripen or age from 0 to 14 days, with most fruitbeing held from 2 to 3 days. The fruit is ripened or aged by beingplaced on equipment so it does not contact the ground. It is preferablycovered with a cloth or netting material during aging, but can be agedwithout being covered. When ready for further processing the fruit islight in color, from a light green, light yellow, white or translucentcolor. The fruit is inspected for spoilage or for excessively greencolor and hard firmness. Spoiled and hard green fruit is separated fromthe acceptable fruit.

The ripened and aged fruit is preferably placed in plastic linedcontainers for further processing and transport. The containers of agedfruit can be held from 0 to 30 days. Most fruit containers are held for7 to 14 days before processing. The containers can optionally be storedunder refrigerated conditions prior to further processing. The fruit isunpacked from the storage containers and is processed through a manualor mechanical separator. The seeds and peel are separated from the juiceand pulp.

The juice and pulp can be packaged into containers for storage andtransport. Alternatively, the juice and pulp can be immediatelyprocessed into a finished juice product in concentrate or dilute (suchas with water or other fruit juices) form. The containers can be storedin refrigerated, frozen, or room temperature conditions.

The Morinda citrifolia juice and pulp are preferably blended in ahomogenous blend, after which they may be mixed with other ingredients,such as flavorings, sweeteners, nutritional ingredients, botanicals, andcolorings. The finished juice product is preferably heated andpasteurized at a minimum temperature of 181° F. (83° C.) or higher up to212° F. (100° C.).

Another product manufactured is Morinda citrifolia puree and pureejuice, in either concentrate or diluted form. Puree is essentially thepulp a separated from the seeds and is different than the fruit juiceproduct described herein.

Each product is filled and sealed into a final container of plastic,glass, or another suitable material that can withstand the processingtemperatures. The containers are maintained at the filling temperatureor may be cooled rapidly and then placed in a shipping container. Theshipping containers are preferably wrapped with a material and in amanner to maintain or control the temperature of the product in thefinal containers.

The juice and pulp may be further processed by separating the pulp fromthe juice through filtering equipment. The filtering equipment mayinclude a centrifuge decanter, a screen filter with a size from 1 micronup to 2000 microns, more preferably less than 500 microns, a filterpress, reverse osmosis filtration, and any other standard commercialfiltration devices. The operating filter pressure preferably ranges from0.1 psig up to about 1000 psig. The flow rate preferably ranges from 0.1g.p.m. up to 1000 g.p.m., and more preferably between 5 and 50 g.p.m.The wet pulp is washed and filtered at least once and up to 10 times toremove any juice from the pulp. The wet pulp typically has a fibercontent of 10 to 40 percent by weight. The wet pulp may be pasteurizedat a temperature of 181° F. (83° C.) minimum and then packed in drumsfor further processing or made into a high fiber product.

Drying may further process the wet pulp. The methods of drying mayinclude freeze-drying, drum drying, tray drying, sun drying, and spraydrying. The dried Morinda citrifolia pulp may include a moisture contentin the range from 0.1 to 15 percent by weight and more preferably from 5to 10 percent by weight. The dried pulp preferably has a fiber contentin the range from 0.1 to 30 percent by weight, and more preferably from5 to 15 percent by weight.

The high fiber product may include wet or dry Morinda citrifolia pulp,supplemental fiber ingredients, water, sweeteners, flavoring agents,coloring agents, and/or nutritional ingredients. The supplemental fiberingredients may include plant based fiber products, either commerciallyavailable or developed privately. Examples of some typical fiberproducts are guar gum, gum arabic, soybean fiber, oat fiber, pea fiber,fig fiber, citrus pulp sacs, hydroxymethylcellulose, cellulose, seaweed,food grade lumber or wood pulp, hemicellulose, etc. Other supplementalfiber ingredients may be derived from grains or grain products. Theconcentrations of these other fiber raw materials typically range from 0up to 30 percent, by weight, and more preferably from 10 to 30 percentby weight.

Typical sweeteners may include, but are not limited to, natural sugarsderived from corn, sugar beet, sugar cane, potato, tapioca, or otherstarch-containing sources that can be chemically or enzymaticallyconverted to crystalline chunks, powders, and/or syrups. Also sweetenerscan consist of artificial or high intensity sweeteners, some of whichare aspartame, sucralose, stevia, saccharin, etc. The concentration ofsweeteners may be between from 0 to 50 percent by weight, of theformula, and more preferably between about 1 and 5 percent by weight.

Typical flavors can include, but are not limited to, artificial and/ornatural flavor or ingredients that contribute to palatability. Theconcentration of flavors may range, for example, from 0 up to 15 percentby weight, of the formula. Colors may include food grade artificial ornatural coloring agents having a concentration ranging from 0 up to 10percent by weight, of the formula.

Typical nutritional ingredients may include vitamins, minerals, traceelements, herbs, botanical extracts, bioactive chemicals and compoundsat concentrations from 0 up to 10 percent by weight. Examples ofvitamins one can add to the fiber composition include, but are notlimited to, vitamins A, B1 through B12, C, D, E, Folic Acid, PantothenicAcid, Biotin, etc. Examples of minerals and trace elements one can addto the fiber composition include, but are not limited to, calcium,chromium, copper, cobalt, boron, magnesium, iron, selenium, manganese,molybdenum, potassium, iodine, zinc, phosphorus, etc. Herbs andbotanical extracts include, but are not limited to, alfalfa grass, beepollen, chlorella powder, Dong Quai powder, Ecchinacea root, GingkoBiloba extract, Horsetail herb, Indian mulberry, Shitake mushroom,spirulina seaweed, grape seed extract, etc. Typical bioactive chemicalsmay include, but are not limited to, caffeine, ephedrine, L-carnitine,creatine, lycopene, etc.

The juice and pulp can be dried using a variety of methods. The juiceand pulp mixture can be pasteurized or enzymatically treated prior todrying. The enzymatic process begins with heating the product to atemperature between 75° F. and 135° F. It is then treated with either asingle enzyme or a combination of enzymes. These enzymes include, butare not limited to, amylase, lipase, protease, cellulase, bromelin, etc.The juice and pulp may also be dried with other ingredients, such asthose described above in connection with the high fiber product. Thetypical nutritional profile of the dried juice and pulp is 1 to 20percent moisture, 0.1 to 15 percent protein, 0.1 to 20 percent fiber,and the vitamin and mineral content.

The filtered juice and the water from washing the wet pulp arepreferably mixed together. The filtered juice may be vacuum evaporatedto a brix of 40 to 70 and a moisture of 0.1 to 80 percent, morepreferably from 25 to 75 percent. The resulting concentrated Morindacitrifolia juice may or may not be pasteurized. For example, the juicewould not be pasteurized in circumstances where the sugar content orwater activity was sufficiently low enough to prevent microbial growth.It is packaged for storage, transport and/or further processing.

The processed Morinda citrifolia product may also exist as a dietaryfiber produced from the fruit puree. Still further, the processedMorinda citrifolia product may also exist in oil form, such as an oilextract. The Morinda citrifolia oil typically includes a mixture ofseveral different fatty acids as triglycerides, such as palmitic,stearic, oleic, and linoleic fatty acids, and other fatty acids presentin lesser quantities. In addition, the oil preferably includes anantioxidant to inhibit spoilage of the oil. Conventional food gradeantioxidants are preferably used.

The Morinda citrifolia plant is rich in natural ingredients. Thoseingredients that have been discovered include: (from the leaves):alanine, anthraquinones, arginine, ascorbic acid, aspartic acid,calcium, beta-carotene, cysteine, cystine, glycine, glutamic acid,glycosides, histidine, iron, leucine, isoleucine, methionine, niacin,phenylalanine, phosphorus, proline, resins, riboflavin, serine,beta-sitosterol, thiamine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, ursolicacid, and valine; (from the flowers):

-   acacetin-7-o-beta-d(+)-glucopyranoside,    5,7-dimethyl-apigenin-4′-o-beta-d(+)-galactopyranoside, and    6,8-dimethoxy-3-methylanthraquinone-1-o-beta-rhamnosyl-glucopyranoside;    (from the fruit): acetic acid, asperuloside, butanoic acid, benzoic    acid, benzyl alcohol, 1-butanol, caprylic acid, decanoic acid,    (E)-6-dodeceno-gamma-lactone,-   (Z,Z,Z)-8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid, elaidic acid, ethyl decanoate,    ethyl hexanoate, ethyl octanoate, ethyl palmitate,    (Z)-6-(ethylthiomethyl) benzene, eugenol, glucose, heptanoic acid,    2-heptanone, hexanal, hexanamide, hexanedioic acid, hexanoic acid    (hexoic acid), 1-hexanol, 3-hydroxy-2-butanone, lauric acid,    limonene, linoleic acid, 2-methylbutanoic acid,    3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol, 3-methyl-3-buten-1-ol, methyl decanoate,    methyl elaidate, methyl hexanoate, methyl 3-methylthio-propanoate,    methyl octanoate, methyl oleate, methyl palmitate, 2-methylpropanoic    acid, 3-methylthiopropanoic acid, myristic acid, nonanoic acid,    octanoic acid (octoic acid), oleic acid, palmitic acid, potassium,    scopoletin, undecanoic acid, (Z,Z)-2,5-undecadien-1-ol, and vomifol;    (from the roots): anthraquinones, asperuloside (rubichloric acid),    damnacanthal, glycosides, morindadiol, morindine, morindone,    mucilaginous matter, nor-damnacanthal, rubiadin, rubiadin monomethyl    ether, resins, soranjidiol, sterols, and trihydroxymethyl    anthraquinone-monomethyl ether; (from the root bark): alizarin,    chlororubin, glycosides (pentose, hexose), morindadiol,    morindanigrine, morindine, morindone, resinous matter, rubiadin    monomethyl ether, and soranjidiol; (from the wood):-   anthragallol-2,3-dimethylether; (from the tissue culture):    damnacanthal, lucidin, lucidin-3-primeveroside, and    morindone-6beta-primeveroside; (from the plant): alizarin,    alizarin-alpha-methyl ether, anthraquinones, asperuloside, hexanoic    acid, morindadiol, morindone, morindogenin, octanoic acid, and    ursolic acid.

Recently, as mentioned, many health benefits have been discoveredstemming from the use of products containing Morinda citrifolia. Onebenefit of Morinda citrifolia is found in its ability to isolate andproduce Xeronine, which is a relatively small alkaloid physiologicallyactive within the body. Xeronine occurs in practically all healthy cellsof plants, animals and microorganisms. Even though Morinda citrifoliahas a negligible amount of free Xeronine, it contains appreciableamounts of the precursor of Xeronine, called Proxeronine. Further,Morinda citrifolia contains the inactive form of the enzyme Proxeronasewhich releases Xeronine from Proxeronine. A paper entitled, “ThePharmacologically Active Ingredient of Noni” by R. M. Heinicke of theUniversity of Hawaii, indicates that Morinda citrifolia is “the best rawmaterial to use for the isolation of xeronine,” because of the buildingblocks of Proxeronine and Proxeronase. These building blocks aid in theisolation and production of Xeronine within the body. The function ofthe essential nutrient Xeronine is fourfold.

First, Xeronine serves to activate dormant enzymes found in the smallintestines. These enzymes are critical to efficient digestion, calmnerves, and overall physical and emotional energy.

Second, Xeronine protects and keeps the shape and suppleness of proteinmolecules so that they may be able to pass through the cell walls and beused to form healthy tissue. Without these nutrients going into thecell, the cell cannot perform its job efficiently. Without Proxeronineto produce Xeronine our cells, and subsequently the body, suffer.

Third, Xeronine assists in enlarging the membrane pores of the cells.This enlargement allows for larger chains of peptides (amino acids orproteins) to be admitted into the cell. If these chains are not usedthey become waste.

Fourth, Xeronine, which is made from Proxeronine, assists in enlargingthe pores to allow better absorption of nutrients.

Each tissue has cells which contain proteins which have receptor sitesfor the absorption of Xeronine. Certain of these proteins are the inertforms of enzymes which require absorbed Xeronine to become active. ThusXeronine, by converting the body's procollagenase system into a specificprotease, quickly and safely removes the dead tissue from skin. Otherproteins become potential receptor sites for hormones after they reactwith Xeronine. Thus the action of Morinda citrifolia in making a personfeel well is probably caused by Xeronine converting certain brainreceptor proteins into active sites for the absorption of the endorphin,the well being hormones. Other proteins form pores through membranes inthe intestines, the blood vessels and other body organs. AbsorbingXeronine on these proteins changes the shape of the pores and thusaffects the passage of molecules through the membranes.

Because of its many benefits, Morinda citrifolia has been known toprovide a number of anecdotal effects in individuals having cancer,arthritis, diabetes, indigestion, malignancies, broken bones, high bloodpressure, diabetes, pain, infection, asthma, toothaches, blemishes,immune system failure, and others.

The compositions containing Morinda citrifolia may be in a form suitablefor oral use, for example, as tablets, or lozenges, aqueous or oilysuspensions, dispersible powders or granules, emulsions, syrups orelixirs. Compositions intended for oral use may be prepared according toany method known in the art for the manufacture of Morinda citrifoliacompositions and such compositions may contain one or more agentsselected from the group consisting of sweetening agents, flavoringagents, coloring agents and preserving agents. Tablets contain Morindacitrifolia in admixture with non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptableexcipients which are suitable for the manufacture of tablets. Theseexcipients may be for example, inert diluents, granulating anddisintegrating agents, binding agents, and lubricating agents. Thetablets may be uncoated or they may be coated by known techniques todelay disintegration and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract andthereby provide a sustained action over a longer period. For example, atime delay material such as glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearatemay be employed.

Aqueous suspensions contain the Morinda citrifolia in admixture withexcipients suitable for the manufacture of aqueous suspensions. Suchexcipients are suspending agents, for example, sodiumcarboxymethyl-cellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxy-propylmethycellulose,sodium alginate, polyvinyl-pyrrolidone, gum tragacanth and gum acacia;dispersing or wetting agents may be a naturally-occurring phosphatide,for example lecithin, or condensation products of an alkylene oxide withfatty acids, for example polyoxyethylene stearate, or condensationproducts of ethylene oxide with long chain aliphatic alcohols, forexample heptadecaethylene-oxycetanol, or condensation products ofethylene oxide with partial esters derived from fatty acids and ahexitol such as polyoxyethylene sorbitor monooleate, or condensationproducts of ethylene oxide with partial esters derived from fatty acidsand hexitol anhydrides, for example polyethylene sorbitan monooleate.

In still another exemplary embodiment, a preferred embodiment, theprocessed Morinda citrifolia product may comprise an extract from theleaves of the Indian Mulberry plant in the form of a processed Morindacitrifolia leaf hot water extract, a processed Morinda citrifolia leafethanol extract, and a processed Morinda citrifolia leaf steamdistillation extract. The process used to obtain each of these processedMorinda citrifolia leaf extracts is described in greater detail below.

Favorably, this invention provides a method of diabetes with a Morindacitrifolia-based formulation without any significant tendency to causeundesirable side effects.

Treatment Methods and Preventative Effects of Morinda citrifolia onDiabetes

The present invention features a unique formulation and method ofadministering the same to treat diabetes, or rather advances treatmentof diabetes by providing a naturaceutical composition or treatmentformulated with one or more processed Morinda citrifolia productsderived from the Indian Mulberry plant. The Morinda citrifolia productis incorporated into various carriers or naturaceutical compositionssuitable for in vivo treatment of a patient. For instance, thenaturaceutical formulation may be ingested orally, introduced via anintravenous injection or feeding system, or otherwise internalized as isappropriate and directed.

As mentioned, diabetes results from high levels of blood glucoseresulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Itis characterized as a progressive breakdown in normal insulin-relatedusage of glucose. In order to function properly, the body's use ofglucose must comprise a balanced output of insulin from the pancreas totransport glucose effectively to other organs and tissues for storage.Any insulin imbalance or loss of sensitivity can cause a chronicoverabundance of glucose leading to diabetes. According to the presentinvention, internalizing the naturaceutical formulation comprising oneor more processed Morinda citrifolia products, as well as otheringredients if desired, serves to treat diabetes by normalizing glucoseand insulin levels and their activities within the body.

The naturaceutical composition of the present invention comprises one ormore of a processed Morinda citrifolia product present in an amount byweight between about 0.01 and 100 percent by weight, and preferablybetween 0.01 and 95 percent by weight. Several exemplary embodiments offormulations are provided below. However, these are only intended to beexemplary as one ordinarily skilled in the art will recognize otherformulations or compositions comprising the processed Morinda citrifoliaproduct.

The processed Morinda citrifolia product is the active ingredient orcontains one or more active ingredients, such as Quercetin and Rutin,and others, for treating and relieving existing diabetes, as well asreducing the potential of developing diabetes in the future. Activeingredients may be extracted out using various alcohol or alcohol-basedsolutions, such as methanol, ethanol, and ethyl acetate, and otheralcohol-based derivatives using any known process in the art. The activeingredients of Quercetin and Rutin are present in amounts by weightranging from 0.01-10 percent of the total formulation or composition.These amounts may be concentrated as well into a more potentconcentration in which they are present in amounts ranging from 10 to100 percent.

The naturaceutical composition comprising Morinda citrifolia may beprepared using any known means in the art. In addition, since thenaturaceutical composition will most likely be consumed orally, it maycontain one or more agents selected from the group consisting ofsweetening agents, flavoring agents, coloring agents, preserving agents,and other medicinal agents as directed.

The present invention further features a method of administering anaturaceutical composition to a mammal for the treatment and relief ofdiabetes and to help prevent or reduce the likelihood of contractingdiabetes in the future. The method for administering a naturaceutical,or the method for treating a diabetes, comprises the steps of (a)formulating a naturaceutical composition comprising in part a processedMorinda citrifolia product present in an amount between about 0.01 and95 percent by weight, wherein the composition also comprises a carrier,such as water or purified water, and other natural or artificialingredients; (b) introducing the naturaceutical composition into thebody, such that the processed Morinda citrifolia product is sufficientlyinternalized; (c) repeating the above steps as often as necessary toprovide an effective amount of the processed Morinda citrifolia productto the body of the patient to positively affect several diabetes relatedconditions. Specifically, the processed Morinda citrifolia productsfunction to inhibit absorption of glucose, reduce blood glucose levels,balancing insulin output and glucose transfer, accelerating glucosemetabolism, and overall, increasing the body's tolerance of glucose.

The step of introducing the naturaceutical composition into the bodycomprises one of ingesting the composition orally. Ingesting thenaturaceutical orally means the naturaceutical composition may beformulated as a liquid, gel, solid, or some other type that would allowthe composition to be quickly digested and concentrated within the body.It is important to note that the step of administering thenaturaceutical composition should be carried out in an effective mannerso that the greatest concentration of naturaceutical composition, andparticularly the processed Morinda citrifolia product, is internalizedand absorbed into the patient's body. For the naturaceutical compositionto take effect, it must be sufficiently internalized. Once sufficientlyinternalized, it may then begin to function to treat diabetes and itsassociated conditions or symptoms, and to reduce potential of beingdiagnosed with diabetes in the future. Specifically, once internalized,the Morinda citrifolia product may function to balance insulin outputand glucose transfer, reduce glucose synthesis, accelerate glucosemetabolism in the body, inhibit glucose absorption, and improve glucosetolerance. In one embodiment, the naturaceutical composition isadministered by taking between 1 teaspoon and 2 oz., and preferably 2oz., of the naturaceutical composition every two hours each day, or atleast twice a day. Also, the naturaceutical composition is to be takenon an empty stomach, meaning at a period of time at least two hoursprior to consumption of any food or drink. Following this, thenaturaceutical composition is sufficiently allowed to absorb into thetissues of the body. Of course, one ordinarily skilled in the art willrecognize that the amount of composition and frequency of use may varyfrom individual to individual.

In addition, the step of administering the naturaceutical compositionmay include injecting the composition into the body using an intravenouspump. This technique is advantageous as it would allow the compositionto be localized in the area where it would have the most effect, or thearea that would provide for the greatest concentration of thenaturaceutical composition.

The treatment of diabetes by normalizing glucose insulin activity andlevels results from the affect on the body of the processed Morindacitrifolia products, and/or the active ingredients found therein, namelyQuercetin, Rutin, Xeronine, and the building blocks toXeronine—Proxeronase and Proxeronine.

The following tables illustrate or represent some of the preferredformulations or compositions of the naturaceutical as contemplated bythe present invention. It should be noted that these formulations areonly intended as exemplary embodiments and are not to be construed aslimiting in any way.

Ingredients Percent by Weight Formulation One Morinda citrifolia leafhot water extract 0.1-80%  water   20-99.9% Formulation Two Morindacitrifolia leaf ethanol extract  0.1-100%  Formulation Three Morindacitrifolia leaf steam distillation extract  0.1-100%  Formulation FourMorinda citrifolia fruit juice or puree juice   90-99.9% Morindacitrifolia leaf water extract 0.1-10%  Formulation Five Morindacitrifolia fruit juice or puree juice   90-99.9% Morinda citrifolia leafethanol extract 0.1-10%  Formulation Six Morinda citrifolia fruit juiceor puree juice   90-99.9% Morinda citrifolia leaf steam distillationextract 0.1-10%  Formulation Seven Morinda citrifolia leaf extract(water, ethanol, or steam distillation) 0.1-10%  Morinda citrifoliafruit or puree juice or fruit/puree juice concentrate   90-99.9% Dietarysupplement or food product   90-99.9% Formulation Eight Morindacitrifolia puree juice or fruit juice 100% Formulation Nine Morindacitrifolia fruit juice   85-99.99% water 0.1-15%  Formulation TenMorinda citrifolia fruit juice   85-99.99% non-Morinda citrifolia-basedfruit juices 0.1-15%  Formulation Eleven Morinda citrifolia fruit juice50-90% water 0.1-50%  non-Morinda citrifolia-based fruit juices 0.1-30% Formulation Twelve Morinda citrifolia puree juice   85-99.9% water0.1-15%  Formulation Thirteen Morinda citrifolia puree juice   85-99.9%non-Morinda citrifolia-based fruit juices 0.1-15%  Formulation FourteenMorinda citrifolia puree juice 50-90% water 0.1-50%  non-Morindacitrifolia-based fruit juices 0.1-30%  Formulation Fifteen Morindacitrifolia dietary fiber 0.1-30%  water   1-99.9% non-Morindacitrifolia-based fruit juices   1-99.9% Formulation Sixteen Morindacitrifolia dietary fiber 0.1-30%  water   1-99.9% Morinda citrifoliafruit juice or puree juice   1-99.9% Formulation Seventeen Morindacitrifolia puree juice concentrate or fruit juice concentrate 100%Formulation Eighteen Morinda citrifolia fruit juice concentrate or pureejuice concentrate   85-99.99% water 0.1-15% 

In an exemplary embodiment or method, a person suffering from diabetes,or a person desiring to prevent the onset of diabetes, as describedabove takes at least one ounce of a naturaceutical formulationcomprising the ingredients in one of Formulations 1-7 in the morning onan empty stomach, and at least one ounce at night on an empty stomach,just prior to retiring to bed.

In another exemplary method, a person suffering from diabetes, or aperson desiring to prevent the onset of diabetes, as described abovetakes at least one ounce of a naturaceutical formulation as identifiedin Formulation Seven in the morning on an empty stomach, and at leastone ounce at night on an empty stomach, just prior to retiring to bed.In one example, which is not meant to be limiting in any way, thebeneficial Morinda Citrifolia is processed into Tahitian Noni® juice asmanufactured by Morinda, Incorporated of Orem, Utah.

Other similar methods of treating diabetes using each of theFormulations identified above are contemplated by the present invention.For example, any of the ingredients identified may be combined in thenaturaceutical formulation described herein in any effective combinationand in any effective concentration. In addition, the naturaceuticalformulations described and inherently provided for herein may beintroduced to the body using any known means in the art, such as orally,intravenously, transdermally, and systemically.

The present invention further features taking a diabetes medication,such as a prescription pharmaceutical, concurrently with thenaturaceutical formulation. Diabetes medications used to treat thedisease are well known in the art and to one ordinarily skilled in theart, and thus are not specifically recited herein.

Taking or administering the naturaceutical formulation comprising oneform or another of a processed Morinda citrifolia product as taught anddescribed herein functions to enhance the relief potential for thepatient by increasing or enhancing the efficacy of the diabetesmedication, as well as providing the same benefits and advantages to thepatient that are obtained directly from the naturaceutical formulation.

Taking one form or another of a processed Morinda citrifolia product astaught herein increases the efficacy of doctor prescribed diabetesmedications. The processed Morinda citrifolia products described hereinare very active against cytochrome enzymes, which are responsible forthe breaking down or metabolizing of medications. As such, the presentinvention processed Morinda citrifolia products prevent or significantlyreduce the breaking down or metabolizing of diabetes medications byinhibiting the drug breakdown functions of the cytochrome enzymes. As aresult, the diabetes medications are allowed to be in the body muchlonger, which naturally allows them to be more effective.

The processed Morinda citrifolia products have been shown to beeffective for treating diabetes of all types, including Type I, Type II,and Type III. However, the present invention is found to be mosteffective against Type II diabetes.

Since diabetes is linked to many factors, the present inventionnaturaceutical comprising one or more processed Morinda citrifoliaproducts is believed to be effective in reducing the likelihood of thesefactors contributing to the contraction of diabetes. Also, the processedMorinda citrifolia products are effective in treating pre-existingconditions of diabetes by targeting these factors. In reference to manyof these contributing or causing factors, the present inventiontherefore features a method for balancing insulin output and glucosetransfer, a method for reducing glucose synthesis in the liver, a methodfor accelerating glucose metabolism in the body of a mammal, a methodfor inhibiting glucose absorption, particularly in the digestive tract,of a mammal, and a method for improving glucose tolerance in the body ofa mammal. Each of these methods comprises the prophylacticadministration of a naturaceutical formulation to a patient in a safe,pre-determined amount (e.g., at least one teaspoon and preferably twoounces), for a safe, pre-determined frequency (e.g., twice daily on anempty stomach), and for a safe, pre-determined duration of time (e.g.,each day), wherein the naturaceutical formulation comprising one or moreprocessed Morinda citrifolia products present in an amount by weight asidentified above.

In one exemplary, and preferred embodiment, the processed Morindacitrifolia product comprises one of a processed Morinda citrifolia leafhot water, ethanol, or steam distilled extract as obtained according tothe process described herein. Of course, the naturaceutical formulationmay comprise other ingredients, such as water, other food products orfood supplements, dietary supplements, flavorings, etc. and may also beembodied in any form, including a liquid, gel, capsule, lozenge, etc.

The following examples set forth and present the effects of Morindacitrifolia on both pre-existing diabetes conditions, as well as thepreventative effects of Morinda citrifolia against the onset of orcontracting diabetes. These examples are not intended to be limiting inany way, but are merely illustrative of the beneficial, advantageous,and remedial effects of Morinda citrifolia on diabetes. Othernon-limiting examples of the present invention are described below.

EXAMPLE ONE

In the present example, a patient experiencing and diagnosed with TypeII diabetes desires to treat the disease with a non-prescription,over-the-counter remedy or preparation. Thus, to treat the diabetes, anindividual is given an identified, prescribed amount of a naturaceuticalcomposition to consume orally, wherein the naturaceutical comprises aprocessed Morinda citrifolia leaf extract (e.g., hot water leaf extract,ethanol leaf extract, or steam distilled leaf extract) present in anamount between 0.1 and 50 percent by weight, with water or other juices(such as processed Morinda citrifolia fruit or puree juice, grape juice,etc.) comprising the remainder of the naturaceutical formulation. Thenaturaceutical is administered in a safe, pre-determined amount, namelyat least one ounce, and is administered intermittently a safe,pre-determined number of times, namely twice a day, for a safe,pre-determined amount of time, namely each day. Administration of thenaturaceutical formulation effectively functions to normalize insulinproduction, increase glucose metabolism, inhibit glucose absorption, andreduce glucose synthesis in the liver. The Morinda citrifolia-basednaturaceutical is consumed by the patient on an empty stomach.

EXAMPLE TWO

In an actual example the medical benefit of a processed MorindaCitrifolia product was tested. Processed Morinda Citrifolia leaf hotwater and alcohol extracts were studied using a rat model withstreptozotocine induced diabetes. The Morinda Citrifolia leaf extractswere harvested from Morinda Citrifolia leafs which were frozen,defrosted, dried, and chopped, wherein the extract was formed usingdemonized distilled hot water. The extract was first tested for acutetoxicity, which was found negative.

A rat model was selected based on the reasoning that high blood glucoseshown in non-insulin dependent diabetes is associated with secretorydisorders of pancreatic insulin, and/or a reduction of glucoseproduction in the liver and/or an intinuation of insulin reaction toglucose uptake at peripheral tissues in the muscles, fatty tissues andother tissues of the body.

Given that the Morinda Citrifolia products are effectively providing atherapeutic effect for people suffering from type II diabetes, theresults of this example show that there is no toxic effect from theconsumption of a Morinda Citrifolia leaf extract. The results alsoindicated that there is no evidence of toxicity found in the animals. Noanimals died during the test and no behavioral changes were observed inany of the animals. Additionally, there were no signs of athrocytosis,no significant weight gain observed in the test group as compared tocontrol groups, and no observed abnormality in the inner organs. Basedon the above results, there appeared to be no toxicity related to theuse of the Morinda Citrifolia leaf extract on animals withstreptozotocine induced diabetes.

EXAMPLE THREE

Various medicinal efficacies of the leaves from the Indian Mulberryplant are set forth herein, particularly diabetes improvement efficacy.In the present test, the object was to conduct a comparative study ofanti-diabetic functions of various Morinda citrifolia leaf extracts,using fasting-time sugar level as markers.

First, frozen Morinda citrifolia leaves were defrosted and chopped intosmall pieces at the room temperature. Distilled water, five times thevolume of the chopped leaves, was added and hot water extraction wasconducted for an hour. Then the solids in the solution were removed bycentrifugation and the supernatant obtained was freeze-dried as aprocessed Morinda citrifolia leaf hot water extract.

Second, frozen Morinda citrifolia leaves were defrosted and chopped intosmall pieces at the room temperature. Distilled water, five times thevolume of the chopped leaves, was added, and agitated at 40° C. whileextraction was conducted for one hour. After removing solid objects,ethanol was removed under decreasing pressure (rotary evaporator).Solids produced were removed with a fiberglass filter. The resultingsupernatant was freeze dried as a processed Morinda citrifolia leafethanol extract.

Third, frozen Morinda citrifolia leaves were defrosted and chopped intosmall pieces at room temperatures. The chopped leaves were steamdistilled using a sub-critical steam distillation apparatus. Then thesolids in the solution were removed by centrifugation and thesupernatant obtained was freeze dried as a processed Morinda citrifolialeaf steam distilled extract. Other methods or procedures notspecifically recited herein may be used to extract out the activeingredients found in the processed Morinda citrifolia leaf extracts, aswill be apparent to one ordinarily skilled in the art. Therefore, themethods and procedures that are specifically recited herein are notintended to be limiting in any way.

In regards to the feeding method, Wistar-type, five-week-old male rats(weight 100±10 g), five per group were used. Rats were fed underconditions of 25° C. room temperature, 50% humidity and light-dark cycleof 12 hours (8:00˜20:00). To introduce the processed Morinda citrifolialeaf extracts into the rats' bodies, the rats were administered theaforementioned freeze-dried material by adding it to their drinkingwater in such a manner that the material became 0, 15, 30, 60, 150, and300 mg/kg body weight/day. The drinking water was made freely availableto the animals.

In regards to the testing, streptozotocin (STZ) was dissolved in 0.1Mcitric acid buffer (pH 4) to form 35 mg/kg weight solution, and thesolution was injected in the abdominal cavity immediately. Three weekslater, after verifying that blood sugar level was sufficiently high, thetest material was administered. Each week, blood was taken from theanimal and serum was obtained using a normal method. A Determiner GL-Ewas utilized for measurement of blood sugar levels.

Elapsed time change of blood sugar level was determined. Based on theresults obtained, each of the processed Morinda citrifolia leaf extractswere determined to have a significant effect on type II diabetes.

When each Morinda citrifolia leaf extract was orally administered torats with STZ-induced type II diabetes (non insulin dependent diabetes,NIDDM), the blood sugar level declined. The rate of decline was thehighest in the processed Morinda citrifolia leaf ethanol extract,followed by the processed Morinda citrifolia leaf steam distilledextract and processed Morinda citrifolia leaf hot water extracts.However, no significant difference was found between the processedMorinda citrifolia leaf ethanol extract and processed Morinda citrifolialeaf steam distilled extract. Moreover, rate of decline in blood sugarlevel increased proportionally to the amount administered, but noremarkable efficacy was found when the administration amount was higherthan 160 mg/kg weight/day. The blood sugar level decline rate of thegroup in the fourth week to which the processed Morinda citrifolia leafethanol extract was given with 300 mg/kg weight/day was about 12%compared to the group without administration of the material. Likewise,the rate of the group to which the processed Morinda citrifolia leafsteam distilled extract was administered with 300 mg/kg weight/day wasabout 11% and the rate of the group to which the processed Morindacitrifolia leaf hot water extract was administered with 300 mg/kgweight/day was about 7%.

From the results above, it is concluded that processed Morindacitrifolia leaf extracts have efficacy to control, to some degree, risesin blood sugar level caused by STZ-induced type II diabetes (insulinnon-dependent diabetes, NIDDM) when administered orally. In recentyears, more people have expressed the view that the STZ-inducedexperimental diabetes model, though in principle it is a type I model,may be used as a type II model, particularly in fast screeningapplications. Hence, a decision was made to use the STZ-induced diabetesmodel in the present test.

Because processed Morinda citrifolia leaf extracts were found duringpreliminary glucose load tests to have a tendency to block glucoseabsorption, the anti-diabetes function of Morinda citrifolia is thoughtto be absorption control. However, because the STZ-induced experimentaldiabetes model mouse resembles type I diabetes which has dependency oninsulin, further study is necessary to carefully examine blood sugarlevel, hemoglobin, A1C, GLUT-4 receptor conditions and insulinresistance using the KKAy mouse (natural type II diabetes model mouse).

EXAMPLE FOUR

In another actual example, in order to study the effects of MorindaCitrifolia extract on non-insulin dependent diabetes (Type II), as wellas administration of food samples containing processed MorindaCitrifolia leaf extracts (either hot water, ethanol, or steam distilledas described above), a test of Type II diabetes patients was undertaken.Volunteers currently receiving treatment for Type II diabetes wereselected. The subjects were men and women in their forties and fiftiesand were randomly divided into groups. A total of two test food groupsusing processed Morinda Citrifolia leaf extracts were organized.

In one group, 0.1 grams of Morinda Citrifolia leaf extracts were mixedinto food samples. In another group, 0.2 grams of Morinda Citrifolialeaf extracts were mixed in the food samples, and in the third group,0.75 grams of Morinda Citrifolia leaf extracts were mixed into foodsubstances. In a fourth group, food substances were prepared by mixingin 0.75 grams of a Morinda Citrifolia leaf extract after removing TSextract. Three patients were assigned to each food group.

Packets containing two grams of the Morinda Citrifolia leaf extractmixed in powder form were laminate coated and sealed in aluminum. Packswere given to volunteers under physician's direction. The physician wasasked to advise the volunteers to refrain from taking the medicationglibenclamide if a patient was currently using the medication. Use of aglycosidase inhibitor (such as Glucobai), was prohibited.

Each volunteer was asked to take the food material in a tea-likesubstance twice a day during meals. The patients were instructed todissolve one envelope with approximately 150 ml of hot water. Bloodsugar values were measured for each of the patients at least twice foreach volunteer. The patients' blood sugar levels were measured between7:00 and 8:00 am on an empty stomach using glucogye GT 1614 made byArcly Factory KK.

The results of the study show that in the group without the TS extract adrop of approximately 4 percent was detected in the blood sugar value onan empty stomach. A drop of about 23 percent in the blood sugar valuewas detected when the TS extract was added. These results show thatprocessed Morinda citrifolia leaf extracts provide a significant andeffective treatment against diabetes, as well as a significant andeffective deterrent against contracting the disease.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit of essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only al illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

1. A method for treating diabetes comprising the steps of: obtaining aprocessed Morinda citrifolia leaf ethanol extra comprising the steps of:freezing one or more Morinda citrifolia leaves; defrosting said Morindacitrifolia leaves; chopping said Morinda citrifolia leaves into smallpieces; adding an identified amount of distilled water to said Morindacitrifolia leaves to obtain a solution; agitating said solution at anidentified temperature for an identified period of time; extracting saidsolution for an identified period of time; removing any solids in saidsolution; extracting ethanol from said solution under decreasingpressure; filtering any solids produced to obtain a supernatantsolution; freeze-drying said supematant solution to obtain saidprocessed Morinda citrifolia leaf ethanol extract; preparing anaturaceutical formulation comprising said processed Morinda citrifolialeaf ethanol extract; and administering said naturaceutical to a patientdiagnosed with diabetes.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein saidnaturaceutical formulation further comprises a Morinda citrifolia leafhot water extract.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said naturaceuticalformulation further comprises a Morinda citrifolia leaf steam distilledextract.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said naturaceuticalformulation further comprises Morinda citrifolia fruit juice selectedfrom dilute and concentrate form.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein saidnaturaceutical formulation further comprises Morinda citrifolia pureejuice selected from dilute and concentrate form.
 6. The method of claim1, wherein said naturaceutical formulation further comprises Morindacitrifolia dietary fiber.